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Round Up: My Top accommodation from 2017

The more and more I travel, I’ve learned that I really enjoy staying at unique accommodations. I’ve been exposed to some pretty cool places over the last year and honestly – sometimes an amazing AirBnB or a rustic resort can make an entire trip!

So without further delay, may I present to you a round-up of my favourite accommodations from my past year of travel.

Tucked away in the South African Mountains, is one of the most unique places I’ve EVER stayed. The Blyde River Wilderness Lodge offers opportunities for onsite wildlife experiences! Who needs to shell out for an entire safari when you can see zebras, giraffes and more right on the property?

I had such a fabulous experience there that I wrote an entire post about it!

I needed a place to stay near the downtown area in Toronto for a business meeting earlier this year and was fearful of how pricey my options would be. This adorable and trendy flat I found on AirBnb was conveniently located AND super affordable! (Plus, with everything going on with AirBnb in the news lately it is a relief to know that these hosts are kind, accommodating and communicative – Bonus!).

This safe and cute private cottage was my home base while exploring Joberg and I can’t say enough great things! Equipped with an ensuite bathroom, a fire pit and amazing hosts, this place was by far one of my favourite AirBnBs.

The Radisson Blu in Addis Ababa is the perfect oasis from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Between their airport shuttle service, the generous bottomless breakfast, their super cozy rooftop terrace and luxurious rooms, the Radisson was a fabulous home base for exploring the capital and the rest of the country!

As its name implies, the Mountain view hotel in Lalilbela has unbeatable views! Though the rooms are relatively no-frills, the balcony makes up for it! You can sip on Ethiopia’s world famous coffee while enjoying stunning landscape views of the valley below, or catch the sunset on the hotel’s rooftop patio.

The hotel’s location also makes it ideal as home base to explore Laliebla’s famous Rock-hewn churches (which I also wrote an entire postabout!).

Looking for a unique experience to cap off a road trip through the Snæfellsnes Peninsula? How does a horse farm overlooking a costal cliff with glacier views and its own private beach sound? Pretty epic right? You can even take a ride on one of their gorgeous Icelandic horses (at an additional cost). * Note this property is only available during the winter *

The Humming bird hotel is a brand new establishment with a perfect location for exploring the island of San Pedro by foot. Located close to coffee shops, grocery stores and dive shops, it was a clean and cozy base to explore the infamous blue hole.

The DREAMS resort in Tulum is not your average hotel. This property totally lives up to its name as the place where dreams are made of. DREAMS boats exquisite gardens and fountains, a quiet beach, endless high-quality food and drinks and luxurious rooms!

Out of your budget? Try heading there on a day pass to get the luxury experience without the same price tag!

The African Heritage house in Nairobi is an absolute dream. Not only is the building itself an architectural masterpiece, but inside it boasts a compilation of unique artifacts from across the continent. The house overlooks the Nairobi National Park, so you can spot wildlife from your balcony, or simply relax by the pool with a cool drink in hand.

You can even get an included guided tour of the property which feels somewhat like a museum as there is so much to see and learn about or shop some of the unique jewelry hand crafted by the home’s owner Alan Donovan.

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* In the spirit of transparency, this post contains affiliate and sponsored material. An extra special thank you to the Radisson Blu Addis Ababa and Mountain view hotels for your sponsorship! When you click on my links and book a room, I will get a few cents which help offset the cost of running this blog *

They all look so cool! I'd love to stay in the South African one with the peacock, what an experience :)

July 23, 2017 at 6:54 pm

thepinkbackpack.com said:

It was sooo great! I should have mentioned too that the owner had just rescued a bunch of baby ostriches too so I got to meet them! Such a wonderful place :)

July 23, 2017 at 3:09 pm

thepinkbackpack.com said:

That sounds amazing Amanda! I will keep that in mind if I make it to Hawaii :D

July 23, 2017 at 3:09 pm

thepinkbackpack.com said:

Yes such a rare treat to see wildlife right outside your room hey? Glad you enjoyed the post :)

July 23, 2017 at 3:08 pm

thepinkbackpack.com said:

So happy you liked the post Suzannah :) Definitely check them out if you make it to the continent!

July 23, 2017 at 2:51 pm

thepinkbackpack.com said:

Hi Megan, the African Heritage house was so amazing that it's hard to describe. It was a destination in itself :)

July 23, 2017 at 2:51 pm

thepinkbackpack.com said:

I definitely agree Sapna! The South African one is one of my all time fav too :) <3

July 23, 2017 at 2:49 pm

thepinkbackpack.com said:

Thank you Grace :) I am happy you liked the post, the South Africa one is definitely bucket list worthy! <3

July 23, 2017 at 2:49 pm

thepinkbackpack.com said:

Oh great!! It was definitely such a cute place and a super location. It was in the Queen West neighborhood (if you want a landmark, it's just down from the Drake hotel on Queen St. W).

July 23, 2017 at 2:29 pm

Miranda said:

These all look so cool! I think my favorite is the African Heritage house; it has such a unique look on the outside that I love!

July 22, 2017 at 8:00 pm

Lindz @ I've Been Bit! said:

All of these are GORGEOUS! I love finding amazing accommodation finds - they really make the travel experience that much more amazing! One of my favourite Airbnbs was a rooftop apartment in Berlin. It was right in the heart of Kreuzberg and was breathtaking!

July 22, 2017 at 6:59 pm

Anna said:

Wow, wow, wow! I pretty much want to book every single one of these, especially the African Heritage House in Nairobi - what a find! Thanks for sharing - looks like you've had some wonderful experiences this year :)

July 22, 2017 at 6:17 pm

Cherene Saradar said:

All these places look amazing!!

July 22, 2017 at 5:24 pm

Stephanie said:

Wow, you certainly have found some fantastic places to stay! I love the diversity of them all! I especially love that African Heritage house in Nairobi! I must really get on trying out AirBnBs!!

July 22, 2017 at 5:21 pm

sophie said:

These are some great and certainly unique accommodations! I would love to stay at all of these. must say you have been to so many great places!
Thanks for sharing! Cheers!

July 22, 2017 at 1:33 am

Erin said:

This is such a neat idea for a post! The places you stayed at look so lovely and unique. The wilderness lodge in South Africa looks incredible! That'd be so neat to see wildlife right out your window!

July 21, 2017 at 3:04 pm

Amanda said:

What a bunch of gorgeous places! My all time favorite is Volcano Village Lodge on The Big Island in Hawaii. I'm bookmarking this for when I head to these different places!!

July 21, 2017 at 10:14 am

C-Ludik said:

Thank you for sharing this great list of accommodations around the world ! I will keep in mind some of them especially for South Africa and Kenya. I particularly like the view from your cottage room in South Africa Mountains :-)

July 21, 2017 at 8:08 am

Suzannah said:

YES! This is amazing - all of these accommodations are just incredible! I've still not been to the African continent, but, if I do, I'm coming back here and checking some of these out! They are all so beautiful! :)

July 21, 2017 at 8:06 am

Ania | Snow to Seas said:

All of these accommodations are so beautiful and unique! And that's one stunning apartment you found on AirBnb in Toronto. I'll be heading there soon! Where was this one located?

July 21, 2017 at 7:20 am

Megan at Lush to Blush said:

These are all absolutely amazing!! I would seriously LOVE to visit them all, but Nairobi looks the coolest to me :)

July 20, 2017 at 10:00 pm

Sapna said:

All accommodations are special in their own way. I liked your pictures, my favorite is of Hoedspruit, South Africa pool.